Dope tires stoned groups of high people (8)

I believe the answer is:

gentries

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'groups of high people' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'dope tires stoned' is the wordplay.
'dope' becomes 'gen' (both can mean information).
'stoned' is an anagram indicator (can mean on drugs or drunk).
'tires' is an anagram of 'tries'.
'gen'+'tries'='GENTRIES'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.